Greek health authorities have launched an investigation after allegations emerged that an anesthesiologist at a public oncology hospital requested an unofficial cash payment from a patient, reigniting concerns over corruption in the healthcare system.
The case came to light after a video circulated on social media, reportedly showing the doctor in conversation with a patient receiving treatment at a public hospital in the Athens region.
According to the footage, the patient asks the doctor how much money is expected. The doctor initially responds that he does not want anything. However, after a nurse leaves the room, he is heard suggesting an amount of around €100. The patient agrees, while the doctor again states that he does not want the money.
The alleged incident has drawn the attention of Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis, who ordered an immediate investigation into the matter. He went on X to comment on the incident while also requesting that the hospital administration take steps to remove the doctor from Greece’s National Health System pending the outcome of the case.
Πριν λίγο μου έστειλαν ένα απαράδεκτο βίντεο το οποίο αναρτήθηκε στα social media από μία ασθενή που κατέγραψε έναν αναισθησιολόγο την ώρα που αυτός της ζητά 100-150€ για να πράξει όσα είναι υποχρεωμένος να παρέχει δωρεάν σε κάθε ασθενή. Από την έρευνα που αμέσως διέταξα,…
— Άδωνις Γεωργιάδης (@AdonisGeorgiadi) May 21, 2026
The X post reads: “A short while ago, I was sent an unacceptable video posted on social media by a patient who recorded an anesthesiologist allegedly asking for €100–150 to provide services that should be offered free of charge to every patient.
The investigation I immediately ordered identified both the hospital and the doctor involved. I have instructed the hospital administration to take all necessary legal steps to ensure that the individual is removed from the National Health System.
I abhor the practice of informal payments, which exploits people at their most vulnerable and is completely incompatible with the values of our public healthcare system.
I sincerely regret this incident and apologize to the patient.”
The allegations have once again brought public focus to the long-standing issue of so-called “envelope payments” — unofficial cash payments sometimes requested or offered in exchange for medical services within the public healthcare sector.
